Ephedrine is a stimulant found in the herbal supplement ephedra and some over-the-counter drugs. It is a key ingredient in Xenadrine RFA-1, which also contains other stimulants like bitter orange extract and caffeine. While supplements containing ephedra were removed from the market in 2004, ephedrine is still included in some allergy and asthma medications, as well as weight-loss drugs. Understanding the dangers of ephedrine and Xenadrine can help consumers make more informed decisions regarding their use.
Cardiovascular Effects
The greatest dangers associated with ephedrine are its cardiovascular side effects. Ephedrine is a potent stimulant that increases heart rate, respiration and blood pressure, which can lead to serious complications. Bitter orange extract—an ephedrine-like herb included in some formulations of Xenadrine—may cause similar side effects. According to EMedTV.com, bitter orange has the potential to cause tachycardia, heart arrhythmia, heart attack and stroke.
People with heart conditions and those taking other stimulant medications may be at increased risk for cardiovascular side effects while taking ephedrine or Xenadrine. Because some formulations of Xenadrine contain multiple stimulants, it may pose greater cardiovascular risks than ephedrine alone.
Neurological Dangers
An often overlooked risk of stimulants like ephedrine and Xenadrine is the potential for neurological side effects. According to Drug Information Online, ephedrine may cause seizures, hallucinations, dizziness, confusion and anxiety. Such side effects may be particularly dangerous for those with underlying mental disorders like bipolar disorder, Tourette’s syndrome and anxiety disorders.
People with pre-existing mental disorders may be at an increased risk for psychological side effects while taking ephedrine and Xenadrine. Anyone with a history of seizures, tics or tremors should avoid using these products.
Bleeding Risks
Because it contains more than one blood-thinning substance, some formulations of Xenadrine may increase the likelihood of uncontrollable bleeding. Xenadrine RFA-1 contains aspirin and white willow bark—both of which contain salicylin. Salicylin is a blood thinner associated with gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke. According to the “New York Times,” nearly everyone taking aspirin experiences what are known as “microbleeds,” which cause blood to be lost from the gastrointestinal tract via the feces. In addition, Xenadrine also contains ginger—an herb with modest blood-thinning effects.
Products like Xenadrine that contain salicylin should not be taken with coumadin, ibuprofen or other blood-thinning medications. People with blood clotting disorders and a history of hemorrhagic stroke should avoid products containing salicylin.
Considerations
There are a variety of Xenadrine formulations, most of which do not contain ephedrine. To accurately assess the risks of each individual formulation, it is vital to read the ingredients list on the package. Not everyone taking ephedrine or Xenadrine will experience severe side effects. More common side effects include jitteriness, insomnia, nausea and appetite loss.
About this Author
Based in Las Vegas, Tracii Hanes is a freelance writer specializing in health and psychology with more than five years of professional experience. Her work has appeared on websites including Wellsphere, Sazze and LIVESTRONG, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication arts from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
